leaning 1 of 3

as in oblique
running in a slanting direction the leaning tower of Pisa is a popular tourist attraction in Italy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leaning

2 of 3

noun

leaning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of lean

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun leaning contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of leaning are penchant, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When might penchant be a better fit than leaning?

In some situations, the words penchant and leaning are roughly equivalent. However, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When is proclivity a more appropriate choice than leaning?

The words proclivity and leaning can be used in similar contexts, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

In what contexts can propensity take the place of leaning?

The meanings of propensity and leaning largely overlap; however, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leaning
Noun
This has sparked intense interest in Prevost's background, along with his religious and political leanings. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 Jones could reveal his political leanings during the board’s April 19 vote to select a new chair. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
Verb
Voila, the best of both worlds entails leaning into generative AI and LLMs as your negotiating tutor. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Casually leaning back in a chair, surrounded by other retirees in Plantation, Marc Kaye, 78, expresses the same emotions as Wilde. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaning
Adjective
  • At this point, Chisholm’s teammates must have his lyrics memorized, as he’s been nearly unstoppable since returning from an oblique strain earlier this month.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
  • Lost Gold Glove shortstop Ezequiel Tovar for most of the first half, first because of a bruised hip, and now because of a strained oblique.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • These initiatives build on 10 Corso Como’s increasing focus on boosting its cultural programming, as part of the new direction under the vision of Tiziana Fausti.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • Moreover, some leadership teams today have heightened security concerns, in addition to the challenge of acting as the face and key driver of an organization’s strategic direction.
    Michele Dobnikar, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The bill ultimately continues a generations-long Republican tendency to transfer wealth upward while abandoning working Americans. Davis: The wealth transfer Trump seeks is from government to taxpayers.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • Traits shape your willingness to try new things, your perception of effort, and your comfort level in different environments—making exercise a natural outlet for expressing these tendencies, said Matthew Sacco, PhD, a sports medicine psychologist at Cleveland Clinic.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The trailer for With Love, Meghan was released two weeks ahead of the show's premiere and features the Duchess performing a number of activities from tending to a beehive to arranging flowers at a shop and hosting a mix of friends and celebrity guests.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
  • The trailer for With Love, Meghan was released two weeks ahead of the show's premiere and features the Duchess performing a number of activities from tending to a beehive to arranging flowers at a shop and hosting a mix of friends and celebrity guests.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Heightened by the absence of Klay Thompson’s floor-spacing, Curry has been facing kitchen-sink defenses and relying on role players to relieve the building pressure.
    Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Use curiosity to guide problem-solving instead of relying on control.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This may be the last, best window for pro-innovation crypto rules before a future political realignment shifts the tides.
    Jason Brett, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Now that viewers have had a chance to see Hyun-ju’s two-season arc, the tide has turned around his casting.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The inclination of those operating from this skillset is to evaluate the interrelationships and interconnections within and between steps, processes, systems and people.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Marseille’s artistic inclination is matched by an obsession with food which, typically, is very different from what appears on plates in the rest of France.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The trend for Thursday through the weekend looks very seasonable for mid July as high pressure builds.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
  • While violent and property crime across almost every category has been down in Milwaukee in 2025 compared to this time last year, homicides have risen, continuing a trend that began six months ago.
    Jack Albright, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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